Develop mathematical methods and models and apply them to problems in science, engineering, government, and business.
You may also see this posted as: Computational Scientist, Cryptographer, Research Scientist, Agent-Based Modeler, Computational Mathematician, Cryptographic Vulnerability Analyst.
Offices, universities, government agencies, and research organizations.
Usually full-time with regular schedules.
Investigative
solving problems, analyzing evidence, and figuring out how things work
Conventional
organizing information, following systems, and getting details right
Artistic
creating, designing, performing, or working without a rigid script
O*NET job zone 5 of 5
Extensive preparation—often graduate education and significant experience—is common.
Examples employers report—not a checklist you must already know.
May 2025 BLS wage & employment data · 2024–34 BLS employment projections.
Openings a year counts new jobs plus the ones that open when people retire or move on — a truer picture of your odds than growth alone.
“Median” means half earn more and half earn less. Your city, employer, and years on the job move it a lot — that is what the 10th-to-90th range shows.
Statewide medians are a better starting point than the national number. Your city and experience still matter.
Master's degree
Training path: Master's degree is typical; some federal roles accept a bachelor's.
Related work experience: None.
On-the-job training: None.
No license required to start in most places.
Licensing rules and available programs change by state. These federal tools take you to the current official listings.
Builds mathematical models and methods for science, technology, government, and business problems.
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Standard Occupational Classification 15-2021. Pay and employment from the BLS May 2025 OEWS survey; outlook and openings from the 2024–34 employment projections; job context from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; tasks, interests, work styles, software examples, and job zone from O*NET 30.3. See something off? Tell us.